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Must-See Paintings in the Art Institute of Chicago

While we agree that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, there are just some artistic works that speak to humanity across all cultures and times. These pieces are here because they have historical significance and global recognition. Whether you like them or not, you’ll want to see them for yourself.

This one was made all the more famous by the film “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” wherein Cameron gets lost in its pointillism and beauty. From afar, it has startling realism. The closer you get, the harder it is to make out the figures. It’s truly astounding work.

What is the most parodied piece of artwork of all time? If it’s not The Scream or the Mona Lisa, then it’s American Gothic. This iconic piece of artwork is one of the most recognizable American paintings ever crafted.

This French oil painting shows how much more beautiful something can look in the rain, and to be able to portray that concept with paint and a brush makes it all the more impressive. It also gives a glimpse of the culture of the time.

If a painting can say a thousand words, this one could very easily say a million. There are so many questions we like to ponder. Who is the couple? What time is it? What happened to the man sitting by himself that day? See what you can come up with.

Let’s be honest here. Sure, the painting itself is beautiful, impressive, and emotional, but the fact that the Pablo Picasso painted it, and that you can see his artwork in person, makes it exciting to view in itself.

Though it may not seem like anything more than a portrait, this painting is a study in character. It’s also a lovely example of the way Rembrandt uses light and contrast to make this man seem so striking and alive, as if he might suddenly lean out of the frame to ask you a question.

You can find a complete listing of the Art Institute’s collection here.